Little Big Steps - A Life-Changing Injury and the Inspirational Journey to Overcome the Odds

After living a healthy, rewarding and exciting life, I wake up in a hospital bed unable to move. The neurosurgeon says I won’t regain any function in my body and I won't improve. I'm sent home and told to adapt to my new life. This is my story of challenging the dire prognoses, committing myself to getting back on my feet, and overcoming immense challenges to achieve the seemingly impossible. More

After thirty years of a healthy, rewarding and exciting life, I wake up in a hospital bed unable to move. The neurosurgeon leans down and breaks the news: You won’t regain any function in your body and you will never walk again. My medical insurance sends me home, discontinues my care, and tells me to “adapt to my new life.”

Little Big Steps is the story of the pivotal moments, interactions, and breakthroughs following the injury that turned my life upside down. Each chapter explores the experiences, challenges, and discoveries that have inspired me to work towards those accomplishments I was told were impossible. There are moments of immense frustration and grief, and moments of surreal hilariousness and unparalleled joy as I remain on the path to get back on my feet. The story culminates with proof that motivation, determination, and unwavering commitment can lead to incredible achievements.

Arash is an entrepreneur, athlete, motivational speaker, and writer with an award-winning blog detailing his continuing recovery from a traumatic spinal cord injury he suffered in 2012. Featured in Forbes, Al Jazeera, ABC News, and TEDx, he has shared his inspirational story with a number of audiences including Silicon Valley CEOs, universities, corporate executives, and conferences. He collaborates regularly with companies developing exo-skeleton robotic suits that aim to replace wheelchairs and allow paralyzed people to walk.

In 2015, he co-founded No Limits Collaborative, a non-profit aimed at helping people with neurological conditions to access exercise, physical therapy and improved quality of life and he completed a 5-mile swim around a lake to raise money for his charity.

Arash has also established a regularly occurring standup comedy show that raises funds for people with spinal cord injuries. A Bay Area native, Arash credits his California upbringing for his love of the outdoors and nature, activities he still cherishes as he continues to travel, explore and enjoy new experiences.